Competition: Serie A
Head Coach: Marco Baroni — first season in charge
Structural Premise
Under Marco Baroni, Torino is transitioning toward a more aggressive, vertical posture from a historical baseline of mid-block and transitional play. The structural question confronting Torino is whether Baroni can embed system coherence and vertical penetration patterns into a squad previously characterised by mediocrity and instability, especially after the departure of key technical assets.
System Logic
In Possession — Vertical Progression and Flank Activity
Baroni’s structural blueprint for Torino is rooted in forward progression through verticality and flank orientation:
- The base shape remains a 4-2-3-1, with pivots oriented to support transitions and forward triggers.
- Wide players and full-backs are expected to generate numerical superiority on the flanks, facilitating penetration and crossing opportunities.
- The midfield centre depending on player profiles (e.g., Casadei, Gineitis, Anjorin) forms a dynamic triangle intended to balance progression with support coverage.
Tactical implication: The structural ambition is direct progression over controlled circulation, which can create higher risk in transitional spaces if the team loses possession.
Out of Possession — Pressing Intensity and Shape Integrity
Baroni’s philosophy favours an active pressing approach rather than deep reactivity:
- The aim is to compress space higher up the pitch, triggering turnovers and disrupting opponent rhythm.
- Successful execution hinges on cohesion in midfield positioning and coordinated triggers from wide attackers and pressing pivots.
Tactical implication: While more aggressive, this defensive posture demands precise synchronisation; misalignment can expose the team to transitional counter-attacks.
Key Functional Roles
- Hold Midfield/Progressive Pivots: Responsible for switching play and supporting vertical triggers; candidates include Casadei, Gineitis, and Anjorin depending on structural fit.
- Wide Progressors: Wingers and wide forwards tasked with pushing beyond the defensive line to create penetrative options.
- Full-backs: Provide overlapping support and help sustain width while maintaining defensive coverage.
- Striker: Central goal threat, anchoring vertical transitions and finishing progressed attacks.
Tactical implication: The collective performance is synchronised around wide space exploitation and forward triggers, making role clarity essential for structural balance.
Structural Strengths
- Vertical Trajectory: The emphasis on forward progression can create direct penetration opportunities.
- Flank Orientation: Use of width enhances options for break-throughs in half-spaces.
- Aggressive Pressing Potential: When coordinated, the high press can destabilise opponents’ build-up.
Structural Limitations
- Reliance on Synchronisation: Vertical and pressing systems demand high collective understanding; inconsistencies can lead to positional gaps.
- Midfield Fragility: Transitional balance is sensitive to the choices and spacing of pivots given recent departures of creative midfield figures.
- Defensive Transition Risk: Aggressive positioning can expose the backline to rapid counters if control is lost in central zones.
System Dependencies and Vulnerabilities
Torino’s performance will hinge on:
- Midfield cohesion and ball progression tempo, requiring pivots to manage both penetration and cover responsibilities.
- Flank execution quality, as wide players are central to vertical threats.
Vulnerability: Disjointed progression or failed pressing coordination could expose the team to opponent transitions through central corridors.
Verdict
Torino under Baroni is structurally realigning toward a vertical, dynamic system that emphasises flank penetration and progressive pressing. The success of this identity depends on collective cohesion, midfield balance, and role clarity, particularly given the squad’s recent turnover and the challenge of embedding a more aggressive posture without compromising transitional stability.